‘Cookie Walk’ at Old Lyme Town Hall This Morning Benefits Child & Family Agency

What shall I buy? Customers are spoiled for choice at Child & Family's Annual Cookie Walk.

What shall I buy? Customers are spoiled for choice at Child & Family’s Annual Cookie Walk.

Don’t have time to bake but want beautiful, homemade holiday cookies to enjoy at family gatherings? Tired of pre-made cookie trays with cookies you might not want?

Come to Child & Family Agency’s Holiday Cookie Walk on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (or as long as the cookies last!) at its new location in Old Lyme Town Hall, and create your own cookie assortment!

At the Cookie Walk, you decide which cookies — and how many — you want to purchase. Cookies are then weighed and boxed for purchase. Get there early for the best selection!

Also available for sale will be sets of note cards depicting local scenes of Lyme and Old Lyme, ornaments, tote bags, and Child & Family Agency cookbooks.

Proceeds benefit the programs and projects of Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut.

This year’s Cookie Walk at the Old Lyme Town Hall on Lyme Street will be located along with LYSB’s Santa. While you’re choosing cookies, the kids can get a picture taken with Santa (donations to LYSB, the Lymes Youth Service Bureau) There will be much to do along Lyme Street that day, all part of the “Light Up Old Lyme” festival.

Child & Family Agency is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture children and families to develop their strengths through service, partnership, and advocacy.

With offices in New London, Essex, and Groton, and programs dealing with children’s health care, child abuse, family violence, teen pregnancy, parent education, and child guidance, Child & Family Agency is the largest nonprofit children’s service provider in southeastern Connecticut. Volunteers and supporters are always welcome.

For more information, see www.childandfamilyagency.org.

Questions on the Cookie Walk should be directed to CFA.LOLauxiliary@gmail.com.

‘Bound for the Sound’ Road Race This Morning Benefits Lyme-Old Lyme Education Foundation

And they're off! Runners participating in last year's 10K start the race.

And they’re off! Runners participating in the 2016 10K take their first steps in the race.

The Lyme–Old Lyme Education Foundation’s (LOLEF) 7th annual Bound for the Sound Road Race takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 22, starting at 8 a.m., on Hartford Ave., in the Sound View area of Old Lyme.

Runners can choose between a 10K or 5K course, or a one-mile Fun Run. The course travels through the scenic, easy terrain of South Lyme. The race course is mostly flat with some gently rolling hills along country roads, ending with a sprint down historic Hartford Avenue to the beach.  This popular road race attracts quality runners from in and out of state, but its friendly atmosphere has also persuaded many local and 1st time race participants to try for their first 5K.

All proceeds from the race benefit the Foundation’s educational programs in the Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools.

Runners of all ages are welcome, including those in strollers. Register for the race at this link or in person before the race. Registration starts at $5 and varies according to the length of race selected. Registration fees will increase on Race Day, so take advantage and register online today!

Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers as well as top two finishers in each age group.

The LOLEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors from the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme.

The LOLEF’s mission is to create, continue, and enhance the valuable educational programs above and beyond those traditionally provided by the Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools. The Foundation aligns its work with the District’s strategic planning process to encourage innovative and effective learning opportunities for students of all ages. It raises and distributes funds to enhance enrichment programs, support innovative teaching and learning, and build educational partnerships between Lyme-Old Lyme students and the community.

Last ‘Lyme Farmers Market’ of the Season Today with Arrowhead Performing Live

Fresh vegetables galore will be on sale again at Lyme Farmers Market on June 4.

Fresh vegetables galore will be on sale at Lyme Farmers Market  this Saturday.

The Lyme Farmers Market is open for the final time in 2018 today from 9:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. at Ashlawn Farm in Lyme. It is the only market in New London County to be held on a working farm and its mission is to promote sustainable agriculture with locally-grown and -produced food, crafts, and specialty products.

New_logoVendors from the past 15 years will be present, along with several new ones. Market-goers will enjoy high quality organic produce, along with baked goods, seafood, meats, wine, and handcrafts.

There will be live music by the Arrowhead String Band comprising Matt and Karen on guitars, Patricia on bass, and Leif Nillsson on banjo.

This weeks guest vendors include BeBo Beverage on the field with nourishing Kombucha and Treefort Naturals with natural soaps and balms. Lyme-Old Lyme Education Foundation will be signing folks up for their upcoming benefit race. Good vibes will be on hand with bead jewelry and tie dyed items from Moxie & Mission. Stone bowls and birdbaths will be for sale by Marc Evankow.

This year’s seasonal vendors include:

Dondero Orchards

Arrowhead with Leif Nillsson on banjo will perform at the market, Saturday.

Meadowstone Farm
Burgis Brook Farm
Vic’s Guac Shop
Howards Bread
Cold Spring Farm
Pursuit of Pastry
Maple Breeze Farm
Mystery Farms
Peter Giamo Olive Oil
Charter Oak Scanning
Upper Pond Farm
Best of Everything Gourmet
Sunset Hill Vineyard
The Chicken Lady

The market is a non-profit entity, able to accept contributions and apply for grants to promote sustainable agriculture.

Free Day For All at FloGris Today

The Florence Griswold Museum’s Gallery Garden will be in full bloom during “Free Day” on Sunday.

The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme presents its annual Community Free Day on Sunday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Lyme. The event offers free admission to the Museum’s 13-acre campus, and includes family friendly activities and a special appearance by Brian Miller Magic at noon and 2:00pm.

Brian Miller will perform at the FloGris on Sunday.

“Our Community Free Day is a great way for all ages to spend the day at the Museum,” stated David D.J. Rau, Director of Education and Outreach. “The fun and educational activities planned for this year are a wonderful introduction for the many first-time visitors we get on this annual day.”

Museum-goers visiting the original Florence Griswold House are treated to guides sharing stories of the Lyme Art Colony artists who stayed with Miss Florence in the boardinghouse over 100 years ago. The house, decorated as it was in 1910, includes the original paintings that artists created on the door and wall panels of the house.

On view in the Museum’s Krieble Gallery are two exhibitions. Pen to Paper: Artists’ Handwritten Letters from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art and PS: Letters from the Lyme Art Colony. The exhibitions reveal the beauty and intimacy of the craft of letter writing. Examples of the artist’s work hang beside selected letters.

On May 7, Community Free Day visitors will hear about life in an artists’ boardinghouse at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

On May 6, Community Free Day visitors will hear about life in an artists’ boardinghouse at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

While at the Museum, families are encouraged to follow scavenger hunt cards in the Florence Griswold House, and uncover art details in the Krieble art gallery with “Can You Find Me” game cards.

Families can pick up the keepsake publication, My Sticker Book Guide to the Florence Griswold Museum. The beautifully illustrated booklet tells the story of Miss Florence and her artist friends. Each time a child visits the Museum, they earn a sticker to complete one of the booklet illustrations. Those who collect all six stickers receive a gift.

Families are invited to create hands-on crafts during Community Free Day on May 7, at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

Families are invited to create hands-on crafts during Community Free Day on May 6, at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

From 11am- 4pm, drop in at the Museum’s Education Center for a quick painting lesson before heading down to the river or out in the garden for an afternoon of painting. All materials included. Adventurers of all ages can learn more about nature through a selection of Explorer Kits. All materials included.

Free Day attendees can also visit the Chadwick Art Studio, presented as it would have looked in 1920, the Rafal Landscape Center, as well as the Museum’s gardens and grounds along the Lieutenant River. The award-winning Café Flo will be open for lunch.

Artists and adventurers of all ages can enjoy painting outside in the gardens and learning more about nature through a selection of Explorer Kits. All materials included.

 While at the Museum, families are encouraged to follow scavenger hunt cards in the Florence Griswold House, and uncover art details in the Krieble art gallery with “Can You Find Me” game cards. 

Be one of the first to pick up the newest keepsake publication, My Sticker Book Guide to the Florence Griswold Museum. The beautifully illustrated booklet tells the story of Miss Florence and her artist friends. Each time a child visits the Museum, they earn a sticker to complete one of the booklet illustrations. Those who collect all six stickers receive a gift.

A historic center for American art, the Florence Griswold Museum is considered the Home of American Impressionism. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95.

For additional information contact the Museum at 860-434-5542 or www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.

Editor’s Note: The recipient of a Trip Advisor 2016 Certificate of Excellence, the Florence Griswold Museum has been called a “Giverny in Connecticut” by the Wall Street Journal, and a “must-see” by the Boston Globe. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, the Museum features a gallery for changing art exhibitions, education and landscape centers, a restored artist’s studio, thirteen acres along the Lieutenant River, and extensive gardens. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut. Visit FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org for more information.

Deadline for LOL Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Applications for High School Seniors is Tonight

One Scholarship Recognizes Business Leadership, Second is for Promise and Achievement in the Arts

The Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Chamber of Commerce is offering two scholarships this year to high school seniors who are resident in Lyme or Old Lyme and either currently attending an accredited high school or pursuing a home school program.  The scholarships are also open to all students attending Lyme-Old Lyme High School regardless of town of residence.

The two scholarships are the Business Leadership Senior Scholarship and the Senior Scholarship for Promise and Achievement in the Arts.  The Chamber’s intent is to present a single award of $1,000 for each scholarship. The Chamber, however, reserves the right to change the amount of the award and/or to make additional awards if deemed appropriate.

For both scholarships, the applicant must submit the appropriate application form, both of which are available in the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Guidance Office or online on the Chamber’s website at this link. The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Friday, April 27 — the deadline will be strictly applied.

For the Business Leadership Senior Scholarship, the applicant must have demonstrated achievement in economics, business, technology, or a closely related area; be entering college in fall 2017 to pursue a career in a business-related field, and demonstrate the use of his/her skills in a community setting that requires an ability to balance and integrate academics with community service and/or paid employment: for example, in an internship, a part-time job, a business or a nonprofit organization.

For the Senior Scholarship for Promise and Achievement in the Arts, the applicant must have demonstrated achievement in the arts; be entering college in fall 2017 to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent degree at a recognized art school or college, and demonstrate the use of his/her skills in a community setting that requires an ability to balance and integrate art and academics with community service and/or paid employment: for example, in an internship, a part-time job, a business or a non-profit organization.

The LOL Chamber of Commerce Scholarship program has awarded over $33,000 in scholarships and grants to local students since its inception. The Chamber Scholarship Fund is supported through donations to CMRK clothing donation bins located in Lyme and Old Lyme: at the Lyme Firehouse, behind The Bowerbird, at 151 Boston Post Rd., and on Rte. 156 at Shoreline Mowers.

For more information about the scholarship program, contact LOL Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs Russ Gomes at russgo@2289@aol.com or  Olwen Logan at olwenlogan@gmail.com or 860.460.4176.

For more information about the LOL Chamber of Commerce, visit www.visitoldlyme.com or call hamber President Oldwen Logan at 860-460-4176.